Noisy bars and antisocial neighbours could become a thing of the past under proposals set out by Westminster Council to shut them down.

If agreed, both the council and police would have new powers to close down houses, bars or shops across the borough, if they are found to be causing a serious, persistant nuisance to their neighbours.

Currently, the council is only allowed to close a 'crack house', where class A drugs are being supplied or produced, if it is annoying members of the public.

A report, to go before cabinet member for housing Cllr Philippa Roe and cabinet member for community protection Cllr Daniel Astaire, states: "These powers should only be used as a last resort where other interventions to tackle the serious and persistent nuisance have failed, and care should be taken to ensure they are not used as a tool of eviction."

The council hopes the measures would help cut down on crime and disorder in the area. A decision is expected in the next few weeks.